OUR PICKS · ALBANIA
Good albania bay cruises fill up weeks ahead and the best cabins go first. Below: the 11 to book early, what each fare includes and how they differ.
Cruise from Vlorë to Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina, Bristani, Englishman Bay, the Blue Cave, and Grama Bay. You will swim, snorkel, and relax on a small speedboat with drinks, snacks, and guides speaking English, Italian, and Albanian.
“the blue Cave was magnificent also the staff ! everything well organized”
Spend 7 to 8 hours on a fast boat from Vlore, visiting Haxhi Ali Cave, Blue Cave, Grama Bay, and beaches along the Karaburun Peninsula. Expect swimming, snorkeling, music, and a lively group setting. Captains such as Edison and Klejsi have earned praise for their friendly service.
“We were asked to leave the boat before even leaving the harbour because our children is not ok with 120 decibel music and was in tears. We love music but at that level it’s crazy. The arrogant skipper was not even willing to turn it down to acceptable levels. We were refunded but it was our only full day in Vlore and thanks to them we missed out on seeing the sights which was the very reason for us being here”
From Vlore, cruise the Karaburun Peninsula with an English-speaking crew, stopping at Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, Bristan Bay, the Seal Cave, Blue Cave, and Grama Bay. Expect swimming, snorkeling, rugged coves, a small group of up to 20, and a long day on open water.
“I have to be honest, we did this excursion in August 2025, and I feel like I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. For 80 euros per person, we got a taxi-driver on a speed-boat, who very reluctantly drove us to all the indicated locations. When you arrived to each location, he would just say, "Get off, this is this, and we will leave in 20 minutes". He was supposed to provide us with snorkeling equipment, but it was never offered. Sometimes he would say we'd stay at the beach for 30 minutes, but after 10 minutes, he'd say we had to leave. Sometimes it was a short 10-minute stay, but…”
Join Olympia Tours for an 8-hour speedboat trip from Vlorë to Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, the Blue Cave, and Grama Bay. Guides speak English, Italian, and Albanian. Guide Helio has earned praise for mixing local stories with a fun day on the water.
Spend 330 minutes on a guided boat trip from Himara to Gramma Bay, with stops at Aquarium, Marble, Gjipe, Saint Andrews, and Pigeons Cave. Hear about local history and geology, swim in clear water, enjoy drinks and a snack, and return along Albania’s rugged coast.
“Not worth the money. No space on the boat and way too many people (more than 25)”
Cruise from Vlorë to Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, Brisani, English Bay, Llovizi, Nezhajve, and Grama Bay. Swim, snorkel, and visit coves reached only by boat, with an Albanian, English, or Italian-speaking guide aboard.
“Absolutely must do! while in Vlore. Super trip, beautiful views, amazing experiences! A special thanks to our captain Mathias for the great atmosphere, a great and unforgettable time!”
Set out from Orikum Marina at 9:00 am with an English-speaking skipper and a group of no more than 12. Visit Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, several wild coves, the Blue Cave, and Grama Bay, with snorkeling gear, drinks, and snacks included.
“Esperienza incredibile. Congratulazione a Trips Albani per questa esperienza incredibile. Personale disponibile, educato e sempre presente per qualsiasi informazione. Consigliatissimo per i posti visitati, difficilmente si possono trovare spiagge del genere, grotte cosi belle con acqua limpida ed isole immerse nella natura. Da rifare sicuramente. Dispiace solamente per Gama bay, visto le condizioni del mare non non e’ stato possibile raggiungere la destinazione. Ma nonostante cio Albano di trips albani con tutto il suo staff sono stati squisiti. Non perdetevi questi tour che davvero lasciano con il fiato sospeso. Se tornerò sicuramente mi appoggerò all’agenzia Trips Albani per la professiona...”
From Vlorë, you’ll ride a speedboat to Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, Bristan, several small coves, and Grama Bay. Swim, snorkel, take photos, and enjoy music, drinks, and a professional crew, with guides speaking Albanian, English, and Italian.
“We had a wonderful Day around Karaburun visiting several desolated and picturesque beaches and caves. We had a lot of time to explore every spot, swim and snorkeling. Our guides where really polite and considerate to us and the rest of the group. We enjoyed Music, cold drinks and food all Day. Don’t miss out on this fantastic trip where you really get value for your money. Thank you🇦🇱☀️🙌🏼”
You’ll leave Orikum Marina in a private speedboat for a two-hour look at Vlora Bay, passing the Lungomare, Cold Water, the Old Tunnel, coves, and beaches. Swim and snorkel with provided gear, then enjoy onboard snacks, coffee, and tea while your group shapes the outing.
“We had an amazing experience. Our guide explained the history of Albania as we traveled down the coast. We saw the two caves. At each one, we spent a much time as we wanted. We then went on to different beaches. The beaches we went to were beautiful. The guide interacted with us and our children. We had a snack of pizza and sandwiches. Beforehand, we told them the drinks we liked and they provided them all. The captain let our boys steer the boat even!”
Spend up to seven hours with a multilingual guide exploring Karaburun’s Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, Bristan, quiet coves, and Shen Kolit. Your $68 ticket covers fuel, safety gear, insurance, and snorkeling equipment. Bring beachwear, a towel, ID, and your own ride to the meeting point.
Spend eight hours on a speedboat along Albania’s Karaburun Peninsula. You’ll enter Haxhi Ali Cave, stop at Dafina and other quiet bays, snorkel in clear water, and spend two hours at Grama Bay. Guides speak English, Italian, and Spanish. Confirm the exact departure point before setting out.
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
